Calgary parents face murder charges in death of 15-year-old son

Two parents face first-degree murder charges in the death of their 15-year-old son.

Police found the dead teenager at a home on the 100 block of Citadel Drive N.W. in May 2013. Tests later confirmed the boy died from complications linked to neglect and starvation, due to his Type 1 diabetes.

The victim had been diagnosed with diabetes several years earlier, before the family moved from British Columbia to Alberta.

Police allege the teen’s parents failed to provide him with necessary treatment.

The young man’s health declined to the extent that he was confined to his room and subsequently died.

He was home schooled and did not have a family doctor in Alberta.

The parents’ motive for not providing treatment is unknown, but police do not believe it was based on religious beliefs.

The parents were arrested Tuesday but their names will not be released until they have seen a justice of the peace have been formally charged, likely later today.